As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released updated guidance on elective surgeries and procedures. It is the intent of the regulatory agencies that hospitals and outpatient facilities use this guidance to evaluate whether to provide elective surgeries and procedures during community spread of COVID-19. CMS provides recommendations on whether to perform or postpone the surgery or procedure based on the urgency of the procedure, health of the patient, and setting. Among other factors, CMS said providers should consider the supply of PPE equipment in the region, ventilator availability and staffing availability.[1]
CMS emphasizes that decisions are left up to the local delivery systems, including state and local health officials and physicians who have direct responsibility to their patients. The agency intends to refine the guidance over the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak based on feedback from subject matter experts.[2]
Following the updated guidance from CMS, CDC, and Colorado mandates, Skyline Endoscopy Center has resumed normal operations as of Monday, April 27, 2020, in order to provide needed services to our community in this critical time. The following guidelines will be observed at Skyline Endoscopy Center:
- Continued point of entry screening for patients and visitors.
- Patients (and visitors) are being asked to wear their own mask to the Center. If they do not have one upon arrival, they are given one to wear.
- One visitor is allowed to remain in the facility with the patient. Drivers may choose to remain in their vehicles or return to the facility at a designated time to pick up the patient.
- Additional time allocated to cases (if required) in order to follow the recommended practices for safety of patients, staff, and physicians.
- Continued adherence to current PPE recommendations.
- Rescheduled cases will need to have the patient’s insurance eligibility and benefits re-verified (and authorized if required).
- The facility website will be updated as needed for guidance to patients on screening policies, social distancing, etc.
As a critical component of the healthcare system, we are keenly aware of how our actions can materially impact the health of the communities we serve.
ASCs can serve as alternative settings that provide surgical and procedural care for those patients who would suffer from a delay, while allowing our local hospital partners to create the incremental capacity needed during these dynamic times. As the pandemic progresses, we will continue to assess our approach, in coordination with experts throughout the healthcare system, to best serve the needs of patients and communities.
Skyline Endoscopy Center stands ready to work with federal officials, state, and local governments, and all our colleagues in the healthcare system to provide needed care during these challenging times If you have any questions, please contact our facility directly at (970) 663-2159.
[1] https://www.aha.org/advisory/2020-03-19-coronavirus-update-new-information-elective-surgery-ppe-conservation-and
[2] https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cms-non-emergent-elective-medical-recommendations.pdf
